Discussion

Delicious food and calm atmosphere for friends on a Friday night in downtown SF

Three friends and I will be spending a Friday together in San Francisco, near the Embarcadero, and we're looking for a restaurant with fabulous food and a mellow vibe where we can catch up and talk. Our price range is moderate: between, say, $15 and $30 for entrees. We would like the restaurant to be within a 15-minute range by foot, taxi, or public transportation. We're open to different kinds of food but are especially drawn to fresh and local (of course). Does anyone have suggestions?

I think pauliface is right on track in suggesting traditional French, as they tend to be quieter. Fringale might be another choice -- definitely less then 15 minutes by taxi. A walking distance choice that flies under the radar is Mangia Tutti. I've only had lunch there, but it seems solid and it's off the beaten track enough that it's not likely to be loud.